Kansas State Wildcats | THE BIG RED ZONE

Throughout the 1970s, the Cardinals’ defensive front saw plenty of change—but one steady presence anchored it all: Ron Yankowski.

“Yank” started 87 games while capably handling both tackle and end duties. Though he spent much of his career outside the spotlight, he quietly delivered consistent, dependable play year after year.

“I’m used to my status,” he said in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch story in 1979. “I never have been one for saying a lot. I don’t need the recognition.”

“My first seven years, I was a starter. Then, all of a sudden, I was a backup. I had to stop and think for a minute. I had to recognize what they wanted me to do to help the team. Then, I tried to do it the best I could.”

“I wanted to be satisfied with myself each week when I picked up my paycheck.”

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Imagine what it would be like to play for the professional football team in the city where you were born and raised.

Willis Crenshaw didn’t have to imagine it. He lived it.

Crenshaw, who grew up in St. Louis’ Central West End, was a two-sport star for Soldan High School and a football player at Kansas State University for three years. The Cardinals selected Crenshaw in the ninth round of the 1963 NFL draft. A multi-talented offensive back who could run, block and catch, Crenshaw played six seasons for the Big Red (1964-69) before finishing his NFL career with the Denver Broncos (1970).

What was it like playing in front of family and friends at Sportsman’s Park and, later, Busch Stadium—venues located only a few miles from his neighborhood?

“I felt fortunate to be able to do that because there were a lot of guys who wished that was their situation,” Crenshaw said. “The whole thing was just an amazing experience for me.”

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